Radiation protection apparatus and materials therefor

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to rigid structures and composite materials thereof for providing radiation attenuation/shielding. Some embodiments pertain to a radiation shielding apparatus including: a plurality of positionable radiation-shielding stacks of tiles. The stacks are subsequently and adjacently arranged in a contiguous configuration. A tile positioning mechanism allows movement of tiles within a stack between a stacked (retracted) position and an extended position. In the extended position, the tiles of each of the plurality of radiation shielding stacks at least partially overlap tiles of subsequent and adjacent tile stack at corresponding opposing side-margins thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from provisional patent applicationU.S. 62/787,636, (Attorney Docket No. 46125-706.101), filed Jan. 2,2019, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to rigid structures and compositematerials thereof providing radiation attenuation/shielding. Someembodiments of the invention pertain to a radiation shielding apparatuscomprising: a plurality of positionable radiation-shielding stacks oftiles, wherein the stacks are subsequently and adjacently arranged in acontiguous configuration of stacks; and a tile positioning mechanismconfigured to allow movement of tiles within a stack between a stackedor retracted position and an extended position, wherein in the extendedposition, the tiles of each of the plurality of radiation shieldingstacks partially overlap tiles of subsequent and adjacent tile stack atcorresponding opposing side-margins thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

X-ray equipment is routinely used in various applications and systems,including as a diagnostic tool in medical settings. As a result, healthcare providers and technical personnel who operate X-ray systems may beexposed to cumulative dosage of radiation and may be harmed by suchX-ray exposure. Thus, in the field and art of medical imaging, there isan on-going need for improved equipment design, materials andmethodologies for preventing or at least minimizing such cumulativeradiation exposure, to reduce health risks. X-ray shielding equipment ispart of this effort to reduce exposure from stray radiation to belowspecified levels.

Exemplary teachings in the field and art of the invention are providedby the applicant of the present invention in the following disclosures:U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,439,564 and 8,113,713, and WO 2017/083437, which areincorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

Additional disclosures in this field include: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,325,538;8,460,777; 7,897,949; 5,525,408; 5,099,134; US 2003/174802; US2017/278585; JP 6391149; CN 2059596270; and CN 103045983, which areincorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

Exemplary radiation shielding apparatuses are described in the followingdisclosures: US patent application Nos. 2018/0168525, and 2018/0249972,and are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

Among the challenges associated with radiation shielding equipment isthe requirement to maintain as complete a shielding as possible,preferably using materials that are low weight yet rigid and havesufficient radiation shielding/blocking properties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a radiation shielding apparatusincluding adjacent stacks of radiation shielding tiles that can beextended for radiation shielding of an area outside the apparatus or atleast mitigate the exposure to scattered radiation. Such shielding isintended to limit/reduce radiation exposure to personnel and technicianswho work with and near X-ray radiation systems (e.g., a C-arm of afluoroscopy system).

The present invention provides an apparatus having stacks of tiles witha tile positioning mechanism that allows moving the tiles between aretracted stacked position and an extended position. The tiles have aunique structure which provides compact contracted arrangement when thetiles are in the retracted position and minimizes leakage of radiationwhen the tiles are in the extended position. The tiles include sidemargins with a unique structure for mitigating radiation leakage.

As such, the apparatus may include at least one radiation shieldassembly including a support base operatively connectable to a radiationsource or a radiation detector of an X-ray system;

a plurality of positionable radiation-shielding stacks of tiles, whereinthe stacks are subsequently and adjacently arranged in a contiguousconfiguration of stacks; and

a tile positioning mechanism configured to allow movement of tileswithin a stack between a stacked or retracted position and an extendedposition, wherein in the extended position, the tiles of each of theplurality of radiation shielding stacks at least partially overlap tilesof subsequent and adjacent tile stack at corresponding opposingside-margins thereof.

The tiles may include a composite radiation shielding material. Thiscomposite material allows the apparatus to be low weight, yet rigid, andstill provide for radiation shielding. Structures including the hereindisclosed composite materials may be configured in various combinationsof material components; various layers, and/or combination of layers,and/or permutations of layers; and as flat, or non-flat, depending uponimplementations thereof.

A particular example of a non-flat configuration is at one or bothside-margins of the tiles, which can be particularly useful formitigating radiation leakage. Configurations of such side-margins mayinclude a V-shaped portion, a wavy configuration and/or a zig-zagpattern, or a combination thereof. Such configurations (e.g. wavy andzig-zag) allow stable and overlap of increased surface area of theside-margins of adjacent tiles, without using/requiring additionallinear space; and provide a more tortuous path for radiation topotentially leak thereby reducing the chances and/or amount of radiationleakage. The edges (peak of ridges) of the V-shape or zig-zags (andcrests/valleys of the waves) define an axis A1 parallel to the extensiondirection of the tile stacks. Namely, edges (peak of ridges) areparallel to the direction of movement of the tile stacks.

Advantages of the present invention may include (a) a reduction inradiation exposure (i.e. providing a more comprehensive a radiationshield), which may in particular include reducing radiation leakage atthe corners of the radiation shield; (b) improvement in the overlap ofadjacent radiation shielding tiles or tile-stack segments (i.e. stacksof tiles) to thereby mitigate radiation leakage; and (c) provide forimproved strength and/or stability of the radiation shield. Examples ofimproved configurations or patterns of such overlap are noted above,namely wavy; V-shape, and zig-zag. Again, regardless of the particularshape of the tile's edge-margins, or whether the tiles form a face ofthe shielding structure or include corners thereof, the edges (peak ofridges) of the V-shapes or zig-zags and/or crests/valleys of the waves,at the overlapping side-margins, define an axis A1 parallel to theextension direction of the tile stacks.

Thus, an aspect of the invention pertains to a radiation shieldingapparatus comprising:

a plurality of positionable radiation-shielding stacks of tiles, whereinthe stacks are subsequently and adjacently arranged in a contiguousconfiguration of stacks; and

a tile positioning mechanism configured to allow movement of tileswithin a stack between a stacked or retracted position and an extendedposition, wherein in the extended position the tiles of each of theplurality of radiation shielding stacks at least partially overlap tilesof subsequent and adjacent tile stack at corresponding opposingside-margins thereof.

In one or more embodiments, the tiles and corresponding opposingside-margins are non-flat.

In one or more embodiments, the non-flat corresponding opposingside-margins have a zig-zag or V-shaped profile.

In one or more embodiments, the non-flat corresponding opposingside-margins have a wavy or S-shaped profile.

In one or more embodiments, the stacks of tiles form a structure havingat least two faces, each face including at least one tile stack; andcorner tile stacks connecting two adjacent faces thereof.

In one or more embodiments, the stacks of tiles form a structure havingat least three faces, each face including at least one tile stack; andcorner tile stacks connecting two adjacent faces thereof.

In one or more embodiments, the stacks of tiles form a structure havingfour faces, each face including at least one tile stack; and four cornertile stacks connecting two adjacent faces thereof.

In one or more embodiments, corner tile stacks cover an area of at leastabout 90° angle between two adjacent faces.

In one or more embodiments, the tile positioning mechanism includes arail and a slide element for allowing sliding of slide element of onetile along a length of the rail of an adjacent (upper or lower) tilewithin a stack.

In one or more embodiments, the rails and slide elements within a stackarranged in a graded structural form, thereby providing a compactstructure of tiles in a stack.

In one or more embodiments, the rails and slide elements within a stackarranged in a nesting structural form, thereby providing a compactstructure of tiles in a stack.

In one or more embodiments, tiles within a stack include a recess toaccommodate therein a rail of the tile and a respective slide element ofa sequentially adjacent tile.

In one or more embodiments, the recesses of stackedly adjacent tiles ofthe stack are arranged such that the recess of one tile iscorrespondingly disposed relative the recess of its sequentiallyadjacent tile, such that one recess of one tile accommodates at leastpartially a second recess of a second adjacent tile, thereby providingfor a compact structure of tiles in a stack.

In one or more embodiments, each tile comprises a first side margin witha concave or V-shaped profile and an opposite second side margin with aconvex or upside down V-shaped profile, and the tiles of subsequent andadjacent tile stacks are arranged such that the concave or V-shapedprofile of the tiles within one stack overlap the convex upside downV-shaped profile of the tiles within the subsequent and adjacent tilestack.

The materials and structures of the tiles may include one or more layersof carbon fiber and a binding material, and one or more layers of aradiation attenuation material. In some designs, the herein disclosedtiles include one or more layers of carbon fibers incorporated within amixture of a binding material and one or more radiation attenuationmaterial. In some designs, the herein disclosed tiles include one ormore layers of radiation-attenuating material and a polymer mixture. Thestructures obtained from the herein disclosed materials are rigid,low-weight, and can be flat or non-flat and possess radiation shieldingproperties.

An aspect of the invention pertains to rigid/semi-rigid structurescomprising a radiation attenuating composite material, the compositematerial comprising a mixture of one or more polymers and one or moreradiation attenuating material(s) wherein the obtained structure is amonolayered structure.

In one or more embodiments, the radiation attenuating material(s) isprovided as a powder which is substantially homogenously dispersed inthe one or more polymers.

A further aspect of the invention pertains to a radiation attenuatingcomposite material, the composite material comprising: one or morecarbon fiber layers; a binding material; and a radiation attenuatingmaterial applied onto and/or between the one or more carbon fiberlayers.

Yet a further aspect of the invention pertains to a radiationattenuating composite material, comprising: one or more layers of carbonfibers and a binding material; and a radiation attenuating materialapplied onto and/or between the one or more of carbon fiber layers.

Yet a further aspect of the invention pertains to a radiationattenuating composite material, comprising: one or more layers of carbonfibers; a binding material applied onto and/or between the one or morelayers of carbon fibers and configured to at least partially adherethereto; and a radiation attenuating material applied onto and/orbetween the one or more carbon fiber layers.

Yet a further aspect of the invention pertains to structures obtainedfrom the herein disclosed radiation attenuating composite materials. Yeta further aspect of the invention pertains to radiation shieldingapparatuses obtained from the herein disclosed radiation attenuatingstructures.

In one or more embodiments, the herein disclosed structures include abinding material. In one or more embodiments, the herein disclosedstructures do not include a binding material.

In one or more embodiments, the binding material is a polymer.

In one or more embodiments, the binding material is selected from athermoset resin, polyester, vinyl ester, nylon, and a combinationthereof. In one or more embodiments, the thermoset resin is epoxy resin.In one or more embodiments, the herein disclosed structures do notinclude a binding material selected from a thermoset resin, polyester,vinyl ester, nylon, and a combination thereof. In one or moreembodiments, the thermoset resin is epoxy resin. In one or moreembodiments, the herein disclosed structures do not include a thermosetresin.

In one or more embodiments, the herein disclosed structures do notinclude a carbon fiber.

In one or more embodiments, the radiation attenuating material is ametal. In one or more embodiments, the radiation attenuating material isa metal selected from tungsten, lead, bismuth, antimony, barium,tantalum, and a combination thereof.

In one or more embodiments, the composite material further includes amaterial selected from aramid (e.g. Poly-paraphenylene terephthalamideand the like, which may be known by the trade names Kevlar, Nomex,Technora, and Twaron), aluminum, ultra-high-molecular-weightpolyethylene (UHMWPE), glass fibers, and a combination thereof.

In one or more embodiments, the binding material and the radiationattenuating material are provided as a liquid or semi-solidsubstantially homogenous mixture comprising particulates of theradiation attenuating material and the binding material.

In one or more embodiments, the radiation attenuating material has aform of a foil. In one or more embodiments, the composite material isarranged as a layered structure comprising one or more layers of thecarbon fibers and the binding material and one or more layers of theradiation attenuating material.

In one or more embodiments, the composite material has radiationattenuating capacity that is equivalent to or greater than theattenuating capacity of a lead foil having a thickness of 0.1 mm.

In one or more embodiments, a layer of the radiation attenuatingmaterial has radiation attenuating capacity that is equivalent to orgreater than the attenuating capacity of a lead foil having a thicknessof 0.1 mm.

In one or more embodiments, a layer of the carbon fiber has a thicknessof at least about 0.05 mm.

In one or more embodiments, the carbon fibers define the outer surfaceof the layered structure. In one or more embodiments, at least twoadjacent layers of the carbon fibers are spaced apart or separated fromeach other by the radiation attenuating material. In one or moreembodiments, the composite material comprises a first and a second layerof carbon fibers, a third layer of the radiation attenuating material,and a third and fourth layers of carbon fibers. In one or moreembodiments, the radiation attenuating material layer is disposedbetween the carbon fiber layers.

In one or more embodiments, the composite material comprises one or morelayers of the carbon fibers onto which the substantially homogenouscomposition is applied.

In one or more embodiments, the substantially homogenous compositioncomprises 15% to 95% by weight of the radiation attenuating material anda binding material. In one or more embodiments, the substantiallyhomogenous composition comprises 15% to 60% by weight of the radiationattenuating material and a binding material. In one or more embodiments,the substantially homogenous composition comprises 15% to 80% by weightof the radiation attenuating material and a binding material.

In one or more embodiments, the composite material comprises four layersof the carbon fibers onto which the substantially homogenous compositionis applied.

In one or more embodiments, following curing (e.g., by heating, byapplying a high pressure, or by simple drying in the ambientenvironment) a rigid, low-weight, and radiation attenuating product isobtained having a thickness of at least about 0.3 mm.

In one or more embodiments, the composite material comprises two or moretypes of radiation attenuating material.

In yet a further aspect, the invention provides a rigid structureproduced by the radiation attenuating composite materials as hereindescribed. In one or more embodiments, the structure has radiationshielding properties. In one or more embodiments, the structure is arigid tile. In one or more embodiments, the structure is a non-flatrigid structure. In one or more embodiments, the structure is curved. Inone or more embodiments, the tile includes one or more curves foraccommodating a sliding mechanism. In one or more embodiments, thesliding mechanism includes a rail. In one or more embodiments, the railis linear. In one or more embodiment, the sliding mechanism includes aslide element that can slide along a sliding mechanism, or a rail. Inone or more embodiments, the sliding mechanism includes a frictionregulator element, or a bearing element (e.g., a ball bearing) or thealike.

In yet a further aspect, the invention provides a substantiallyhomogenous radiation attenuating composition comprising a bindingmaterial and particulates of one or more radiation attenuating material.

In one or more embodiments, the binding material is selected from athermoset resin, polyester, vinyl ester, nylon, and a combinationthereof. In one or more embodiments, the thermoset resin is epoxy resin.In one or more embodiments, the radiation attenuating material is ametal selected from tungsten, lead, bismuth, antimony, barium, tantalum,and a combination thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical or/and scientific terms usedherein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used inthe practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplarymethods or/and materials are described below. In case of conflict, thepatent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition,the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are notintended to be necessarily limiting.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in thisspecification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each individual publication, patent, or patent application wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity inthe appended claims. A better understanding of the features andadvantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to thefollowing detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments,in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and theaccompanying drawings of which:

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specificreference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that theparticulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrativepresentation of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, thedescription taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled inthe art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an X-ray system, mainly anexemplary C-arm thereof, including a prior art radiation shieldingapparatus.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a radiationprotection/shielding apparatus according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of two subsequent and adjacent stacks ofradiation-blocking tiles of the present apparatus, in a retractedposition, having an extension-retraction or tile-positioning mechanismtherefor.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of two subsequent and adjacent stacks ofradiation-blocking tiles of the present apparatus, in an extendedposition, having an extension-retraction or tile-positioning mechanismtherefor.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a stack of three radiation-blocking tiles of theherein apparatus in a retracted position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of FIG. 5

FIG. 7 is a top view of a stack and a subsequent and adjacent cornerstack, each having four radiation-blocking tiles of the herein apparatusin a retracted position.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a stack and a subsequent and adjacent stack,each having radiation-blocking tiles with side-margins having a zig-zagprofile.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a stack and a subsequent and adjacent stack,each having radiation-blocking tiles with side-margins having an Sprofile.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a composite material comprisingexternal carbon fiber layers and a middle layer of a substantiallyhomogenous composition comprising a binding material, a first radiationattenuating material and a second radiation attenuating material.

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates an exemplary composite materialcomprising one layer of carbon fiber incorporated with a substantiallyhomogenous composition comprising a binding material, a first radiationattenuating material and/or a second radiation attenuating material.

FIG. 12 schematically illustrates an exemplary composite materialcomprising two layers of carbon fiber, each incorporated with asubstantially homogenous composition comprising a binding material, afirst radiation attenuating material and/or a second radiationattenuating material.

FIG. 13 schematically illustrates an exemplary composite materialcomprising three carbon fiber layers making a sandwich structure with afirst radiation attenuating material and a second radiation attenuatingmaterial.

FIGS. 14A-14B schematically illustrate an exemplary tile structure (FIG.14A) manufactured from a composite material (FIG. 14B) comprising fourlayers of carbon fiber and a binding material, each two layers spacedapart by a middle layer of a radiation attenuating material, accordingto some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 15 schematically illustrates an exemplary composite materialcomprising eight layers of carbon fiber and a binding material, eachfour layers spaced apart by a middle layer of a radiation attenuatingmaterial.

FIG. 16 schematically illustrates an exemplary composite materialcomprising four layers of carbon fibers and a binding material, each twolayers spaced apart by a dual middle layer having a layer of a firstradiation attenuating material and a layer of a second radiationattenuating material.

FIG. 17 schematically illustrates an exemplary composite materialcomprising four layers of carbon fibers and a binding material, each twolayers spaced apart by a triple middle layer having a layer of a firstradiation attenuating material, a layer of a second radiationattenuating material and in between a layer of carbon fiber.

FIG. 18 schematically illustrates an exemplary composite materialcomprising four layers of carbon fibers and a binding material, each twolayers spaced apart by a triple middle layer that includes a layer of afirst radiation attenuating material, a layer of a second radiationattenuating material, and in between a spacer layer.

FIGS. 19A-19B schematically illustrate an exemplary curved tilestructure (FIG. 19A) used as a shielding element in a radiationshielding apparatus that blocks radiation emitted from an X-ray imagingsystem; the tile manufactured from a composite material (FIG. 19B)having two layers of carbon fibers and a binding material and a middlelayer of a radiation attenuating material.

FIGS. 20A-20B schematically illustrate an exemplary curved tilestructure (FIG. 20A) manufactured from a composite material (FIG. 20B)having a single layer composition of a radiation attenuating materialand a polymeric material.

It should be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity ofillustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements areexaggerated relative to each other for clarity. Further, whereconsidered appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among thefigures to indicate corresponding elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art thatsuch embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerousvariations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilledin the art without departing from the invention. It should be understoodthat various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention describedherein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended thatthe following claims define the scope of the invention and that methodsand structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents becovered thereby.

It is understood that the invention is not limited to the particularmethodology, devices, items or products etc., described herein, as thesemay vary as the skilled artisan will recognize. It is also to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit thescope of the invention. The following exemplary embodiments may bedescribed in the context of radiation shielding apparatus and portionsthereof for ease of description and understanding. However, theinvention is not limited to the specifically described products andmethods and may be adapted to various applications without departingfrom the overall scope of the invention. All ranges disclosed hereininclude the endpoints. The use of the term “or” shall be construed tomean “and/or” unless the specific context indicates otherwise.

The present invention pertains to radiation shielding apparatuses anddevices that can be incorporated into radiation emitting systems (e.g.X-ray systems) so as to surround the radiation/X-ray source and/or imageintensifier, thereby protecting the surroundings from exposure toscattered radiation.

The term “X-ray” and its derivatives may be used interchangeably hereinwith the term “radiation” and its derivatives; although for the mostpart the term “X-ray” will be used for ease of understanding andreadability, however, without intention to limit the scope of theinvention.

Features of the present invention pertain to radiation radiopaque tiles(or segments holding these tiles) useful in forming a contiguous shieldof a radiation shielding apparatus. The radiation shielding apparatusformed from the herein disclosed tiles are useful in providingprotection of the surroundings from exposure to scattered radiationemitted by X-ray systems during fluoroscopic imaging procedures.

The radiation shielding apparatus/device of the invention includes anassembly of sequentially arranged stacks of radiation-blocking tiles.Each stack includes a plurality of tiles. The stacks/segments aresequentially arranged with and movably connected to (associated with)each other to form an extendable and contactable tile stack having aplurality of tiles wherein each two adjacent stacks and their tilespartially overlap forming a contiguous radiation shield.

The herein disclosed tiles include at (or included in) side-marginsthereof extensions to form segments/stacks having a plurality of tileswherein the extensions (or side margins) of tiles of one stack arearranged to geometrically match (correspond to) and at least partiallyoverlap the extensions (side-margins) of tiles of an adjacent stack,thereby forming a contiguous radiation shield.

The tiles (in particular the segments) of a tile stack are deployable.In other words, the tiles arranged parallel to each other in acompact/retracted position (see for example FIG. 3) and can be deployed,forming an extended radiopaque barrier (see for example FIG. 4). Thetile stacks are also retractable from an extended position, wherein thedeployed tiles slide back onto each other, optionally via a slidingmechanism, returning to the compact/retracted position.

In one or more embodiments, the tiles are frame-less, or include noperipheral frame. When in a retracted position, a compact, light-weightsegment stack is formed.

The segments are arranged sequentially and include corner segmentshaving corner tiles disposed at corners of the assembly of tile/segmentstacks, forming a shape that spans the region of X-ray imaging. Theradiation shielding assembly may include at least two faces, at leastthree faces, at least four faces, or at least five faces. The cornersegments with corner tiles may span at least about a 90° angular areabetween tile-segments of adjacent faces within an assembly of theshielding apparatus, thereby covering an entire corner area. The cornersegments with corner tiles may span between about a 90° and about a 120°angular area between tile-stacks of adjacent faces within an assembly ofthe shielding apparatus, thereby covering an entire corner area. Thecorner segments with corner tiles may span about a 90° angular area inan exemplary square/rectangular-like assembly, thereby covering anentire corner area between tile-stacks of adjacent faces within anassembly of the shielding apparatus. The corner segments with cornertiles may span about a 108° angular area in an exemplary pentagonal-likeassembly, thereby covering an entire corner area between tiles-stacks ofadjacent faces within an assembly of the shielding apparatus. The cornersegments with corner tiles may span about a 120° angular area in anexemplary hexagonal-like assembly, thereby covering an entire cornerarea between tile-stacks of adjacent faces within an assembly of theshielding apparatus.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a prior art radiation shieldingapparatus. The apparatus is shown in conjunction with a typical C-arm 20of an X-ray system for performing an X-ray image of a patient. The X-raysystem includes a radiation source 22 and a radiation detector 24mounted on opposing ends of C-arm 20. The apparatus includes aradiopaque or radiation attenuating/blocking shield, which includes atleast one radiation shield assembly 28 (e.g. above and below thepatient, as illustrated) having a support base 30 connectable toradiation source 22 and/or connected to radiation detector 24, which aremounted on opposite ends of C-arm 20.

Radiation shield assembly 28 includes a plurality of radiation shieldstacks 32, which include a plurality of stack-tiles (such as tiles 134shown in FIG. 2). These radiation shield stacks 32 are sequentiallypositioned relative to support base 30, thereby forming radiopaquescreen radiation attenuating/blocking shield in a contiguousconfiguration.

Shield assembly 28 has free ends 38 for spanning the periphery of a bodyregion of the patient. Radiation shield stacks 32 and tiles 134 thereofare controllable to extend or contract to a selected length to positionrespective free ends 38 in proximity of the patient, or an object suchas an X-ray table.

In use, radiation source 22 and radiation detector 24 are positioned atopposite sides of the patient, in particular a specific portion of thepatient. Radiation source 22 emits an X-ray beam that passes through thespecific portion of the patient toward radiation detector 24, whichrecords the exposure to X-ray radiation and sends the image or videofeed to a computer and/or a display.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary radiation shield assembly128 of the present invention, which constitutes part of a radiationprotection apparatus which is operatively connectable to an X-ray systemor the like. The radiation shield assembly 128 is operatively connectedto a support base 130 which in turn is connectable to a radiation source22; and/or connectable to a radiation detector 24.

Assembly 128 includes radiation shield stacks 132 (stacks of tiles)sequentially disposed to operably extend from support base 130, therebyforming a contiguous radio-opaque barrier configured for spanning animaging area during an X-ray procedure. The radiation shield stacks 132may be individually and actively controllable to extend and retract to aselected length; in other words, respective tiles 134 of the stacks 132are movable to an extended and retracted position (including partiallyor fully retracted/extended). Tiles 134 can be considered asconstituting or being a part of respective stack segments, and as such,the terms “stack-segments”; “stack-tiles”; and “tiles”, and theirderivatives, may be used interchangeably throughout the specificationand claims. Assembly 128 may also include flaps 136 at free ends 138 ofthe stacks 132, for example pivotably attached to the free ends, to aidin surrounding the patient and help limit exposure to scatteredradiation. Stacks 132 can be attached to support base 130 via theinnermost tile 134 as illustrated in FIG. 2. Alternatively, stacks 132can be attached to support base 130 via the outermost tile 134. Further,a free end 138 of outermost tile 134 is connected to flap 136 viasupport base 146 and bracket 147.

FIGS. 3 and 4 respectively show stack-tiles 134 in a retracted and anextended position; extension and retraction can be performed using aretraction-extension or tile positioning mechanism 140. In the retractedconfiguration (FIG. 3), tiles 134 are disposed parallel to each other,forming a stacked compact structure. Tile positioning mechanism 140 mayinclude one or more rails 142, which may be linear, as illustrated; anda slide element 144 configured to slide along respective rails 142. Eachtile 134 includes at least one rail 142 and at least one slide element144. Optionally, each tile 134 includes two rails 142 and two slideelements 144. As can be seen in FIG. 4, in order to allow a compactretracted form, the rails 142 a of one tile 134 a are disposed offsetthe rails 142 b of the other tile 134 b. Similarly, in order to allow acompact retracted form, the slide elements 144 a of one tile 134 a aredisposed offset the slide elements (not shown) of the other tile 134 b.Namely, the obtained tile positioning mechanism 140 presents a gradedstructure that facilitates the compact stack structure.

Tile positioning mechanism 140 may include a friction regulator element,or a bearing element (e.g., a ball bearing) or the like, not shown, andmay be configured for manual operation, for example simply by pullingand pushing to the desired position, or including a hand crank (whichmay include a rack and pinion device or a pulley mechanism), not shown.Alternatively or additionally, tile positioning mechanism 140 mayfurther include a powered mechanism including a motor, e.g., an electricmotor or a pneumatic or a hydraulic mechanism, not shown.

FIGS. 3 and 4 also illustrate that tiles 134 have tile side-margins 148.Side-margins 148 are critical to providing efficient radiationprotection and preferably have a non-flat configuration, for examplehaving one or more generally V-shaped or L-shaped ridges, asillustrated. However, other such configurations, for example a wavy orS-shaped configuration (shown in FIG. 9) is also efficient. FIG. 3 alsoillustrates how stackedly adjacent side-margins 148 correspond one tothe next within each stack 132, as well as between stacks 132 on eitherside thereof. FIG. 4 also illustrates how side-margins 148 ofneighboring tiles 134 of neighboring adjacent stacks 132 correspond, aswell as between stackedly adjacent tiles. As shown, each tile 134includes a concave-like structure 148 a (FIG. 3) at a first side-marginof the tile 134 and a convex-like structure 148 b at a second opposingside-margin of the tile 134. Such concave-convex structure constitutes asubstantially stable shield wherein tiles 134 within stacks 132, whendeployed, hold each other, maintaining a stable and contiguous radiationattenuating structure/barrier without any detachment of any of thestacks and/or tiles.

Thus, it should be understood that tiles 134 of one stack 132 aredisposed and arranged such that opposing/neighboring lateral sides(side-margins 148) thereof at least partially overlap lateral sides(side-margins) of tiles of an adjacent stack. Similarly, tiles 134 aredisposed and arranged such that bottom and upper ends thereof overlapupper and bottom ends of other vertically (stackedly) disposed adjacenttiles of the same stack, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Such an overlapbetween the bottom and upper ends can be formed by the overlap ofelements of the tile positioning mechanism 140. As a result, acontiguous closed and protective shield with minimal radiation leakageis provided to protect from an X-ray radiation scattering duringimaging.

FIG. 5 shows rails 142 and slide elements 144 of tile positioningmechanism 140 disposed and accommodated in one or more indentations orrecesses 150 of the tiles 134, in particular in spaces or voids formedby the corresponding recesses in one or more stackably adjacent tiles134 of each stack 132. The term “stackably” refers to the situationwhere the tiles 134 are one above (or below) a subsequent tile of thesame stack 132 when the tiles are in the retracted position. As a resultof the configuration of indentions/recesses 150, adjacent stackabletiles 134 (e.g. tile 134 a and tile 134 b) are correspondinglyconfigured so as to accommodate a rail 142 n and a slide element 144 n.Such corresponding configuration may be accomplished by subsequent tiles134 as illustrated, namely, wherein tile 134 b is subsequent to tile 134a and tile 134 b has a recess 150 b that is narrower than a recess 150 aof tile 134 a and recess 150 b fits within recess 150 a, like asmaller/narrower tray fits within a larger/wider tray. In the particulardesign, the width of recess 150 b is about two-thirds of the width ofrecess 150 a; and the width of recess 150 c is about one-third of thewidth of recess 150 a, and about half the width of recess 150 b.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of FIG. 5, which further emphasizes thecompact nesting nature of tiles 134, which is significant for spacesaving. It is noted that the tiles 134 are illustrated with two rails142 and two respective corresponding slide elements 144; however,mutatis mutandis, tile positioning mechanism 140 could include adifferent number of such rails and slide elements, for example one, orthree, of more.

Rail 142 n is connected to tile 134 a and slide element 144 n isconnected to tile 134 b. Thus, an outermost tile 134 (illustrated astile 134 a) of the stack 132 is attached to support base 146 (FIGS. 3and 4) and the subsequent adjacent inward tile (tile 134 b), by way ofslide element 144 n, slides on rail 142 n. It should be understood thatthe arrangement may be vice versa, mutatis mutandis, wherein theinnermost tile 134 is connected to support base 146 and the subsequentadjacent outward tile, by way of its slide element 144, slides on rail142.

FIG. 7 is a top view of two stacks 132 of four radiation-blocking tiles134 in a retracted position, illustrating a corner stack 132 p. Cornerstack 132 p is curved or has bends therein to produce an effectivecorner formation. Side-margins 148 at both sides of corner stack 132 pprovide for the same tile overlapping as previously described. As such,stacks 132 can form a contiguous radiation protection shield, forexample having a generally square profile, although shield structureshaving other profiles can be produced. Corner stack 132 p spans/coversabout 90° area located between stacks of two faces of a structure of theassembly of stacks 132. For example, when a radiation shield assemblyincludes a substantial rectangular or square-like structure, the cornerstacks 132 p cover the entire 90° area between stacks of adjacent faces.

FIG. 8 is a top view of two stacks 1032 of three radiation-blockingtiles 1034 in each stack 1032, in a retracted position, illustrating azig-zag side margins profile 1048, such that side margins 1048 ofneighboring tiles 1034 of neighboring adjacent stacks 1032 at leastpartially overlap.

FIG. 9 is a top view of two stacks 1132 of three radiation-blockingtiles 1134 in each stack 1032 in a retracted position, illustrating anS-shaped side margins profile 1148, such that side margins 1148 ofneighboring tiles 1134 of neighboring adjacent stacks 1132 at leastpartially overlap.

As noted above, there is a need to block or minimize, as much aspossible, the surroundings from scattered radiation in proceduresassociated with X-ray-based imaging systems, in order to protect healthcare providers and technical personnel. To this end the herein-describedtiles have the structural features as described above with reference toFIGS. 1-9. These tiles can be manufactured from composite materials asdescribed below with reference to FIGS. 10-20.

The tiles may be manufactured from rigid yet low weight radiationattenuating materials. Suitable materials may include compositematerials comprising fabrics (e.g., carbon fibers), a binding material(e.g., epoxy, resin), and one or more radiation attenuating materials(e.g., tungsten). Further suitable materials may include compositematerials comprising one or more polymers, and one or more radiationattenuating materials (e.g., tungsten).

Tile structures obtained from such composite materials are useful in ashielding apparatus as herein disclosed with reference to FIGS. 1-9.Nevertheless, the invention further contemplates other structures thatmay be useful in various additional fields, such as in aerospace wherethe properties of radiation attenuation, rigidity and low weight arerequired.

The herein disclosed tiles or other articles may be constructed from amonolayered composite material comprising one or more thermoplasticmaterials and one or more of radiation blocking materials.

Alternatively, optionally or additionally, tiles or other articles,(e.g., laminate structures) may be constructed from a layered structureincluding a plurality of layers of fiber (e.g., layers of carbon fiberreinforced polymer; CFRP), and one or more layers of radiation blockingmaterial. For example, the radiation blocking material may be suppliedas a powder or as a flexible film. Optionally, a resin is included toimmobilize the powder and/or stiffen the structure and/or adhere thelayers. The structure may include outer layers of carbon fiber and oneor more layers of radiation-blocking material in the middle (a“sandwich” structure). Alternatively, tile structures/other articles mayinclude outer layers of carbon fiber and any combination of one or morelayers of radiation-blocking material and carbon fiber in the middle.

Optionally, the carbon fiber is cut to a desired size and/or shapeand/or hardened into a final form (e.g., by heating and/or by applyinghigh pressure, and/or by drying at room temperature).

Optionally, the herein disclosed composite materials are formed byinjecting a liquid or a pliable raw material of the herein disclosedmixture of a radiation attenuating material and a polymer (e.g., athermoplastic material) into a mold and solidifying the mixture uponcooling to thereby obtain a rigid structure.

For example, the herein described materials may be used to formradiation shielding tiles of desired sizes and shapes.

Most commonly used radiation-attenuating materials are heavy metalshaving high density and atomic number. Thus, incorporating thosematerials in radiation attenuating devices naturally affects the weightof the resultant article.

Structures manufactured from carbon fibers incorporated with the bindingpolymer or from a thermoplastic material afford rigidity and tensilestrength and the radiation attenuating material blocks or minimizesexposure to radiation.

The obtained products/tiles may be further advantageously relativelythin having a thickness of about 0.3 mm or above, and optionally, below.

Various fiber/fabric types are contemplated. For example, the fiber canbe a carbon fiber. Alternatively, the fiber may be a glass fiber, anaramid fiber, a boron fiber, or any combination thereof.

The fiber may be in the form of a flexible sheet or a flexible fabric.The thickness of the fiber may vary, for example, the fiber may have athickness of 0.05 mm or above. For example, 0.1 mm or above, or 0.125 mmor above.

Various thermoplastic materials are contemplated. Non limiting examplesinclude thermoplastic elastomers.

As used herein the terms “radiation protection material”, “radiationattenuating material”, and their derivatives refer to materials capableof blocking, attenuating, or at least minimizing exposure to radiation.In one or more implementations, the terms include metal or metal alloys.Non limiting examples of radiation attenuating materials includeantimony; bismuth; iodine; tungsten; tin; tantalum; erbium; barium;lead; and any combination thereof. Optionally, the radiation attenuatingmaterial is provided as a powder. The powder may include particulateshaving an average size of 0.1 mm or below (e.g., a few microns).Optionally, the radiation attenuating material is mixed with anothermaterial such as a polymer, forming a radiation attenuatingmaterial-polymer composite (e.g., Tungsten-polymer; Lead-polymer;Bismuth-polymer; Barium-polymer; and any combination of a polymer with aradiation blocking materials).

Optionally, the radiation attenuating material is provided as a thinsheet or as a layer. Optionally, the sheet or layer includes anadditional material such as a polymer or a rubber. The sheet or layermay be flexible. The sheet or layer may or may not include additionalmaterials.

The term “binding material” and derivatives thereof as used hereinrefers to materials that can act as an adhesive and contribute to therigidity and strength of a structure when combined with the carbonfibers. Optionally, the binding material solidifies upon heating or whenpressurized or when dried in open air. Optionally, the binding materialhas a glue/binding-like property allowing layers to adhere to eachother, at least partially. The binding material optionally adheres tothe fibers and optionally is at least partially integrated therewith.The binding material may be a polymer, for example a thermoplasticmaterial (e.g., a polyamide). The binding material may be a thermosetresin. By way of example, the thermoset resins may include polyester;epoxy; phenolic; vinyl ester; polyurethane; silicone; polyamide; andpolyamide-imide.

In an aspect of the invention there is provided a composition comprisinga radiation attenuating material and a binding material. The compositionoptionally includes a liquid or semi-solid form of the binding materialand a radiation attenuating material dispersed therein. The radiationattenuating material may be dispersed, entrapped, and/or distributedwithin the binding material. Optionally, the radiation attenuatingmaterial is dispersed within the binding material as grains having adiameter of 0.1 mm or below.

In an exemplary embodiment, the herein disclosed tile structure orarticles are manufactured as a non-layered structure; alternatively, asa multi layered structure. A plurality of layers of carbon cloth orcarbon fabric, and/or radiation attenuating material, and/or a bindingmaterial may be used. In an exemplary embodiment, the tiles/articles aremanufactured from at least two, at least three, at least four, at leastfive, or at least six layers.

The term “multi-layered” as used herein is interchangeable with theterms “plurality of layers” and “layered” and refers to two or morelayers.

In an exemplary embodiment, the herein disclosed tile structure/articleis manufactured as a layered, or a multi layered fiber structure. Aplurality of carbon fibers may be used. In an exemplary embodiment, thearticles are manufactured from at least two, at least three, at leastfour, at least five, or at least six carbon fiber layers. Optionally,the carbon fibers are one or both external layers. Such configurationmay be advantageous as the outer carbon fiber layers provide strength,rigidity and/or structural design for the article.

In one or more embodiments, the binding material is applied onto thecarbon fiber layers, allowing adhesive properties and optionallyincreases strength of the carbon fibers.

Optionally, at least two of the carbon fiber layers are spaced apart bya layer of the radiation attenuating material.

The radiation attenuating material may be disposed within the hereindisclosed articles as layers (e.g., sheet). Alternatively, oradditionally, the radiation attenuating material may be mixed with thebinding material and incorporated or applied to the carbon fibers.Accordingly, the articles or structures are multilayered and include oneor more carbon fiber layers onto which a substantially homogenouscomposition of a binding material and one or more radiation attenuatingmaterials are applied.

Non-limiting examples of a layered or a multilayer structure includestwo layers of carbon fiber with an intermediate layer of radiationattenuating material. Yet a further example of a layered or multilayerstructure includes four layers of carbon fibers with a middle layer ofradiation attenuating material.

Another non-limiting example of a layered or a multilayer structureincludes two layers of carbon fiber incorporated with a mixture of abinding material and a radiation attenuating material.

Another non-limiting example of a non-layered structure includes one ormore of a thermoelastic material and one or more radiation attenuatingmaterials, optionally in the form of a powder.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary layered carbon fiber compositematerial/structure 100 having a first and a second carbon fiber layer101 onto which a substantially homogenous composition 102 is applied.Composition 102 includes a binding material 103 (e.g., an epoxy resin),a first radiation attenuating material 104 and a second radiationattenuating material 105. First radiation attenuating material 104 andsecond radiation attenuating material 105 may be two different materialsor may be the same material presenting different forms (e.g., a powderand a sheet), or may be same material having the same form. Firstradiation attenuating material 104 and second radiation attenuatingmaterial 105 may each be selected from tungsten, lead, bismuth, barium,antimony, and tantalum or other radiation attenuating materials. Thecomposition 102 may be applied on one, two, or all sides of each carbonfiber layer. The resulting product is multi-layered and advantageouslylow-weight, substantially rigid, and capable of attenuating radiation.

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a further exemplary structure orcomposite material 200 having one carbon fiber layer 201 incorporated onboth elongated sides thereof a composition 202 that includes a bindingmaterial (e.g., an epoxy resin) and one or more radiation attenuatingmaterials.

FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a further exemplary compositematerial/structure 300 which is similar to composite material 200 buthas two carbon fiber layers 301, each surrounded on both elongated sidesthereof by a composition 302 having a binding material (e.g., an epoxyresin) and one or more radiation attenuating materials.

FIG. 13 schematically illustrates a further exemplary layered compositematerial/structure 400. Here, a first radiation attenuating layer 404and a layer of a second radiation attenuating layer 405 have asheet-like form and may be optionally a metal foil or a rubber sheet.The radiation attenuating layers 404 and 405 are applied such that twocarbon fiber layers 401 surround each of the radiation attenuatinglayers. Altogether, structure 400 has five layers; three carbon fiberlayers 401 and two radiation attenuating layers 404 and 405. Structure400 is shown to include two different radiation attenuating layers 404and 405, but a similar structure is herein also contemplated wherein thetwo radiation attenuating layers are the same. A binding material (suchas binding material 103 of FIG. 10) may be applied between each of thelayers to facilitate strength and adhesiveness between the layers.Optionally, binding material 103 (not shown) may be applied on all sidesof the carbon fiber layers 201, so as to harden or adhere the fiberswith the binding material.

FIGS. 14A-14B show another exemplary composite material 500 (FIG. 14B)and a tile 534 (FIG. 14A) manufactured from the composite material.Composite material 500 includes two outer carbon fiber layers 501 oneither side of a radiation attenuating material middle layer 502. Abinding material, such as resin (not shown) may be provided between thecarbon fiber layers to facilitate strength, and adhesion. Optionally, abinding material may be applied on all sides of the carbon fiber layers501. Optionally, middle layer 502 includes a radiation attenuatingmaterial in the form of a metal foil or a flexible sheet (e.g., aradiation attenuating material plus a rubber). The resultingmultilayered article can provide radiation attenuation properties atleast equivalent to a minimum of 0.1 mm Pb. Tile 534 is assembled from alayered structure as depicted in FIG. 14B. It should be noted that,although tile 534 illustrates a layered structure as shown in FIG. 14B,alternative structures or composite materials as described herein anddepicted in the figures are contemplated and applicable with referenceto tile 534. Tile 534 can be a rigid non-flat/curved structure used as ashielding element (tile) in a radiation shielding apparatus that blocksradiation emitted from an X-ray imaging system (shown for example inFIG. 2). The one or more recesses 550 of tile 534 are configured toaccommodate linear rails 542 and/or other bearing means, or the alike(not shown). The tile 534 is constructed to hold one or more of asliding mechanism, bearing means, friction rails, sensors and/or attachadditional tiles, via a glue, or by screwing, or by other fasteningmeans.

FIG. 15 shows a multilayered composite material/structure 600 includingeight carbon fiber sheets or layers 601 and a radiation attenuatingmaterial middle layer 602, which may be a metal foil or a flexiblerubber sheet or a mixture of radiation attenuating powder and resin. Abinding material such as binding material 103 of FIG. 10 may be appliedbetween each of the layers to facilitate strength, and adhesion.Optionally, a binding material may be applied on all sides of the carbonfiber layers 601, to thereby bind the fibers. Optionally, a compositionthat includes a binding material (e.g., an epoxy resin) and one or moreradiation attenuating materials may be applied on one or more of carbonfiber layers 601.

FIG. 16 shows composite material/structure 700 including four carbonfiber layers 701 and in the middle thereof two radiation attenuatinglayers, i.e., layer 704 having a first radiation attenuating materialand layer 705 having a second radiation attenuating material. A bindingmaterial such as binding material 103 of FIG. 10 may be applied betweeneach of the layers to facilitate strength, and adhesion. Optionally, abinding material may be applied on all sides of carbon fiber layers 701,to thereby bind the fibers. Optionally, a composition that includes abinding material (e.g., an epoxy resin) and one or more radiationattenuating materials may be applied on one or more of carbon fiberlayers 701.

FIG. 17 shows a multi-layered composite material/structure 800 havingaltogether seven layers. Four carbon fiber layers 801 are disposed suchthat two layers are spaced apart by a triple middle layer sub-structureformed by two layers of a radiation attenuating material 802 sandwichinga carbon fiber layer 801. A binding material such as binding material103 of FIG. 10 may be applied between each of the layers to facilitatestrength, and adhesion. Optionally, a binding material may be applied onall sides of carbon fiber layers 801, to thereby bind the fibers.Optionally, a composition that includes a binding material (e.g., anepoxy resin) and one or more radiation attenuating materials may beapplied on one or more of carbon fiber layers 801.

FIG. 18 shows a multi-layered composite material/structure 900 havingaltogether seven layers. Four carbon fiber layers 901 are disposed suchthat two layers are spaced apart by a triple middle layer that includesa layer of a first radiation attenuating material 904, a layer of asecond radiation attenuating material 905, and an intermediatenon-radiation attenuating spacer layer 906. Spacer layer 906 may be madeof a foam (e.g., polyurethane foam) or any other non-radiationattenuating material or non-carbon fiber material. Spacer layer 906contributes to the strength and stiffness of structure 900. A bindingmaterial such as binding material 103 of FIG. 10 may be applied betweeneach of the layers to facilitate strength, and adhesion. Optionally, abinding material may be applied on all sides of the carbon fiber layers901, to thereby bind the fibers. Optionally, a composition that includesa binding material (e.g., an epoxy resin) and one or more radiationattenuating materials may be applied on one or more of carbon fiberlayers 901.

FIGS. 19A-19B show another exemplary composite material 1000 (FIG. 19B)and a tile 1034 (FIG. 19A) manufactured from the composite material. Thetriple layered composite material 1000 includes two carbon fiber layers1001 sandwiching a middle of a radiation attenuating material layer1002. A binding material, such as resin (not shown) may be providedbetween the layers to facilitate strength, and adhesion. Optionally, abinding material may be applied on all sides of the carbon fiber layers1001. Optionally, middle layer 1002 includes a radiation attenuatingmaterial in the form of a metal foil or a flexible sheet (e.g., aradiation attenuating material plus a rubber). Tile 1034 is a rigidnon-flat structure having curves that can be used as a shielding element(tile) in a radiation shielding apparatus that blocks radiation emittedfrom an X-ray imaging system (shown for example in FIG. 2). One or morerecesses 1050 of tile 1034 are configured to accommodate linear rails1042 and/or other bearing means, or the alike (not shown).

FIGS. 20A-20B illustrates an exemplary single-layered tile structure1134 (FIG. 20A) manufactured from a composite material/structure 1100(FIG. 20B) comprising a radiation attenuating material mixed with apolymer (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer) 1102. The resulting product issingle/mono-layer and advantageously low-weight, substantially rigid,and radiopaque. Tile structure 1134 is a non-flat, curved structurewhich comprises one or more recesses 1150 for accommodating a slidingmechanism, which may include a linear rail 1142. Tile structure 1134 isconstructed to hold one or more of a sliding mechanism/bearingmeans/sensors/attach additional tiles, via a glue or by screwing, or byother mechanical means.

It is to be noted that any of the herein tiles, such as tiles 134presented in FIGS. 1-7, tiles 1034 presented in FIG. 8 and tiles 1134presented in FIG. 9 may incorporate any of the herein disclosedmaterials, such as the composite materials shown in FIGS. 10-20. Asillustrated, the tiles of the invention may be produced from a pluralityof layers. Alternatively, single layered tiles are contemplated. Thetiles may constitute a part of a radiation shielding apparatus (shownfor example in FIG. 2), for example an apparatus that can be integratedwith or installed onto a C-arm device. As described herein, the tilesrequire radiation shielding properties, yet should be rigid, lightweight and relatively thin.

Optionally, the tiles can be made of any combination of layersincluding: (a) a plurality of fiber layers (e.g., carbon fiber),incorporated with or bound by a binding material (e.g. resin, epoxy) andone or more layers of radiation attenuating material, in the form of afoil or film (e.g., a foil of a radiation attenuating material, and aflexible film polymer having a radiation attenuating material); (b) aplurality of fiber layers (e.g., carbon fiber), disposed/embedded withinand/or bound by a mixture of a binding material (e.g. resin, epoxy) andparticles of attenuating material (e.g., in the form of powder); (c) apolymer mixed with a radiation attenuating material.

Optionally, the thickness of the obtained tile product is between about0.1 mm and about 5 mm. For example, between about 0.5 mm and about 5 mm;between about 1 mm and about 5 mm; between about 1.5 mm and about 5 mm;between about 0.1 mm and about 4 mm; between about 0.1 mm and about 3.5mm; between about 0.1 mm and about 3 mm; between about 0.1 mm and about2.5 mm; between about 0.1 mm and about 2 mm; between about 0.1 mm andabout 1.5 mm; between about 0.1 mm and about 1 mm, or any thickness inbetween.

Optionally, the tile has a density of between about 2 g/cc and about 15g/cc. For example, between about 2 g/cc and about 12 g/cc; between about2 g/cc and about 10 g/cc; between about 2 g/cc and about 8 g/cc; betweenabout 2 g/cc and about 6 g/cc; between about 2 g/cc and about 4 g/cc;between about 4 g/cc and about 15 g/cc; between about 6 g/cc and about15 g/cc; between about 8 g/cc and about 15 g/cc; between about 10 g/ccand about 15 g/cc; or any density value in between.

Optionally, the tile is non-flat or curved in a shape that allowsrelative movement between two or more tiles stacked parallel to eachother. In order to achieve dynamic, moving tiles, each tile may includeone or more rails/slides/bearings. The one or more rails/slides/bearingsmay be disposed within one or more recesses (concave portions) in thetiles. For example, each tile may include two rails, each disposedwithin a dedicated recess. Optionally, each tile includes one rail per10 cm width (e.g. for a tile having a width of about 32 cm, three railscan be incorporated in respective tile recesses).

Optionally, the tiles can be incorporated with a tile positioningmechanism to allow relative movement of the tiles with respect to eachother, forming a longitudinal dynamic radiation attenuating barrier.Various sliding mechanisms are contemplated and applicable. Non-limitingexamples of sliding mechanisms include, linear rails, friction rails,sliding mechanisms with linear bearings, sliding mechanisms withrollers, sliding mechanisms with slide-guide strips.

Advantageously, the obtained tiles provide radiation attenuatingproperties and are rigid allowing stability and stiffness. Furtheradvantageously, the obtained tiles are sufficiently light weight, andthus efficiently dynamic and capable of sliding with respect to eachother when provided as an elongated structure, such as a sleeve that canbe retracted and deployed to thereby shield a space. A furtheradvantageous property is associated with the tile structure, which isminimalistic in thickness, while still presenting rigidity sufficient toachieve long term stability, resistance to external forces and to allowefficient sliding properties.

Yet another aspect of the invention pertains to a method of producing arigid low-weight radiation attenuating structure, the method comprising:providing one or more carbon fiber fabrics; applying onto and/or betweenthe one or more layers a binding material; and applying or providingonto and/or between the one or more layers a radiation attenuatingmaterial.

In one or more embodiments, the method comprises a step of curing thecarbon fibers, thereby producing a rigid radiation attenuatingstructure.

In one or more embodiments, the method comprises a step of mixing thebinding material and the radiation attenuating material to produce aliquid or semi-solid substantially homogenous mixture comprisingparticulates of the radiation attenuating material and the bindingmaterial.

In one or more embodiments, the method further comprises applying alayer of the mixture onto the one or more layer of carbon fiber.

In one or more embodiments, the radiation attenuating material is in afoil or film-like form. In one or more embodiments, the radiationattenuating material is in a powder form.

In view of the above, an aspect of the present invention pertains to aradiation attenuating composite material in accordance with thedisclosure herein above.

Another aspect of the invention pertains to a substantially homogenousradiation attenuating composition in accordance with the disclosureherein above.

Yet another aspect of the invention pertains to a rigid tile structurehaving a composite material in accordance with the disclosure hereinabove.

Yet another aspect of the invention pertains to a rigid non-flatstructure having a composite material in accordance with the disclosureherein above.

Yet another aspect of the invention pertains to medical radiationshielding apparatus including a rigid tile structure in accordance withthe disclosure herein above.

Each of the following terms: ‘includes’, ‘including’, ‘has’, ‘having’,‘comprises’, and ‘comprising’, and their linguistic equivalents, as usedherein, means ‘including, but not limited to’, and is to be taken asspecifying the stated component(s), feature(s), characteristic(s),parameter(s), integer(s), or step(s), and does not preclude addition ofone or more additional component(s), feature(s), characteristic(s),parameter(s), integer(s), step(s), or groups thereof.

The term ‘consisting essentially of’ as used herein means that the scopeof the claim is limited to the specified elements and those that do notmaterially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimeddevice and materials.

Each of the phrases ‘consisting of’ and ‘consists of’, as used herein,means ‘including and limited to’.

The term ‘method’, as used herein, refers to steps, procedures, manners,means, or/and techniques, for accomplishing a given task including, butnot limited to, those steps, procedures, manners, means, or/andtechniques, either known to, or readily developed from known steps,procedures, manners, means, or/and techniques, by practitioners in therelevant field(s) of the disclosed invention.

Throughout this disclosure, a numerical value of a parameter, feature,characteristic, object, or dimension, may be stated or described interms of a numerical range format. Such a numerical range format, asused herein, illustrates implementation of some exemplary embodiments ofthe invention, and does not inflexibly limit the scope of the exemplaryembodiments of the invention. Accordingly, a stated or describednumerical range also refers to, and encompasses, all possible sub-rangesand individual numerical values (where a numerical value may beexpressed as a whole, integral, or fractional number) within that statedor described numerical range. For example, a stated or describednumerical range ‘from 1 to 6’ also refers to, and encompasses, allpossible sub-ranges, such as ‘from 1 to 3’, ‘from 1 to 4’, ‘from 1 to5’, ‘from 2 to 4’, ‘from 2 to 6’, ‘from 3 to 6’, etc., and individualnumerical values, such as ‘1’, ‘1.3’, ‘2’, ‘2.8’, ‘3’, ‘3.5’, ‘4’,‘4.6’, ‘5’, ‘5.2’, and ‘6’, within the stated or described numericalrange of ‘from 1 to 6’. This applies regardless of the numericalbreadth, extent, or size, of the stated or described numerical range.

Moreover, for stating or describing a numerical range, the phrase ‘in arange of between about a first numerical value and about a secondnumerical value’, is considered equivalent to, and meaning the same as,the phrase ‘in a range of from about a first numerical value to about asecond numerical value’, and thus, the two equivalently meaning phrasesmay be used interchangeably.

The term ‘about’, is some embodiments, refers to ±30% of the statednumerical value. In further embodiments, the term refers to ±20% of thestated numerical value. In yet further embodiments, the term refers to±10% of the stated numerical value.

It is to be fully understood that certain aspects, characteristics, andfeatures, of the invention, which are, for clarity, illustrativelydescribed and presented in the context or format of a plurality ofseparate embodiments, may also be illustratively described and presentedin any suitable combination or sub-combination in the context or formatof a single embodiment. Conversely, various aspects, characteristics,and features, of the invention which are illustratively described andpresented in combination or sub-combination in the context or format ofa single embodiment, may also be illustratively described and presentedin the context or format of a plurality of separate embodiments.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives,modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications, and variations that fall within the broad scope of theappended claims.

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in thisspecification are herein incorporated in their entirety by referenceinto the specification, to the same extent as if each individualpublication, patent or patent application was specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. Inaddition, citation or identification of any reference in thisapplication shall not be construed as an admission that such referenceis available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent thatsection headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarilylimiting.

What is claimed is:
 1. A radiation shielding apparatus comprising: a plurality of positionable radiation-shielding stacks of tiles, wherein the stacks are subsequently and adjacently arranged in a contiguous configuration of stacks; and a tile positioning mechanism configured to allow movement of the tiles within a stack between a stacked or retracted position and an extended position, wherein in both the retracted position and the extended position, the tiles of each of the plurality of radiation shielding stacks at least partially overlap tiles of subsequent and adjacent tile stack at corresponding opposing and adjacent side-margins thereof.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tiles, as well as their corresponding opposing side-margins, are non-flat.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the non-flat corresponding opposing side-margins have a zig-zag or V-shaped profile.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the non-flat corresponding opposing side-margins have a wavy or S-shaped profile.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stacks of tiles form a structure having two or more faces, each face including at least one tile stack; and corner tile stacks connecting two adjacent faces thereof.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein corner tile stacks cover an area of at least about a 90° angle between two adjacent faces.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tile positioning mechanism includes a rail and a slide element configured to allow sliding of the slide element of one tile along a length of the rail of an adjacent tile within a stack.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the rails and slide elements within a stack are arranged in a nesting structural form, thereby providing a compact structure of tiles in a stack.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein tiles within a stack include a recess to accommodate therein a rail of said tile and a respective slide element of a sequentially adjacent tile.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the recesses of stackedly adjacent tiles of their stack are arranged such that the recess of one tile is correspondingly disposed relative the recess of its sequentially adjacent tile, thereby providing for a compact structure of tiles in a stack.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each tile comprises a first side margin with a concave or V-shaped profile and an opposite second side margin with a convex or upside down V-shaped profile, and the tiles of subsequent and adjacent tile stacks are arranged such that the concave or V-shaped profile of the tiles within one stack overlap the convex or upside down V-shaped profile of the tiles within the subsequent and adjacent tile stack.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tiles are manufactured from a composite material comprising at least one carbon fiber layer, a binding material and at least one radiation attenuating material.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the binding material comprises a thermoset resin, a polyester, a vinyl ester, a polyamide, or a combination thereof.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the thermoset resin comprises an epoxy resin.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the radiation attenuating material comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of: tungsten; lead; bismuth; antimony; barium; and tantalum, or a combination thereof.
 16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the composite material further comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: aramid; aluminum; ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene; and glass fibers, and a combination thereof.
 17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the composite material comprises a plurality of carbon fiber layers; and a mixture of a binding material and particles of radiation attenuating material.
 18. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the radiation attenuating material includes a foil or a film-like structure.
 19. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the radiation attenuating material includes a powder mixed within said binding material, and wherein said mixture is applied onto at least one of said fibers.
 20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tiles are manufactured from a thermoplastic material mixed with a radiation attenuating material. 